Hanalei Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Hanalei which includes a gorge or canyon and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
NaPali Coast State Park showing mountains
NaPali Coast State Park which includes mountains, general coastal views and landscape views
NaPali Coast State Park showing a gorge or canyon and general coastal views
Hanalei showing a gorge or canyon

Dramatic landscapes, world-class waves and an authentic village atmosphere make this Hawaiian town an ideal getaway throughout the year. 

Located on Kauaʻi’s North Shore, Hanalei is loved for its untouched beauty and unique setting. The town sits on a crescent-shaped bay and at almost every point along the bay you are guaranteed a photogenic scene. There are only a few souvenir shops because the town maintains its local character and is largely free of development, making it a favourite for those in search of a classic Kauaʻi experience. 

Hanalei’s history is strongly connected to the missionary movement. Join a guided tour through the Waioli Mission House and Church. Originally a home for missionaries, the house has been converted into a museum that showcases Hanalei life in the 19th century. 

Spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming on the white-sand shore of Hanalei Bay Beach. Pull on a face mask and fins to see tropical fish and sea turtles. The beach spans 2 miles (3 kilometres) along the coast and is rarely crowded, making it the perfect place to relax for the day. The bay’s waves attract surfers from all over the country. 

Lumahai Beach is something of a local secret and sits 2 miles (3 kilometres) outside the town centre. The beach is ideal for sunbathing, though riptides make swimming impossible. 

Take a hike to explore the tropical landscape and enjoy panoramas from the mountain ridges that surround the town. The Kalalau Trail is a difficult but rewarding route that offers unparalleled views of the coastline.  

Enjoy fresh-caught seafood and local cuisine at one of the village restaurants and then take a walk to Hanalei Pier to watch the sun set. Fishermen and musicians line the dock, a popular gathering place for locals. Listed on the  National Register of Historic Places, Hanalei Pier became famous when it featured in the 1957 classic film South Pacific. This landmark is the ideal place to experience the mellow atmosphere that defines Hanalei.

Hanalei is a 50-minute drive north of Lihue Airport. Public transport is limited, so it’s best to rent a car or motorcycle to get there and to explore the region’s attractions.

Where to stay in Hanalei

Default Image

Hanalei Palms

When in Hanalei Palms, you can plan a visit to Hanalei Bay and Hanalei Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Hanalei Palms
Hanalei Colony Resort

Hanalei Colony Resort

3.5 out of 5
5-7130 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Hanalei. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (607 reviews)
"If you are looking to relax, this is the place. Beautiful view & sound of the ocean. The massage at the spa on premises is life changing. There is also a coffee shop & a restaurant so there is no need to leave this oasis in paradise."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Hanalei Colony Resort
Kauai Shores Hotel

Kauai Shores Hotel

3.5 out of 5
420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI
The price is ₹18,051 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹18,051
₹24,350 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Kapaa. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,284 reviews)
"Great location. Free valet was a plus. Close to the Country Market which we enjoyed"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Kauai Shores Hotel
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue

4 out of 5
3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI
The price is ₹28,416 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
₹28,416
₹38,104 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"The staff was amazing, the pool was beautiful"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Plantation Hale Suites

Plantation Hale Suites

3 out of 5
525 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Kapaa. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, 2 hot tubs and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,630 reviews)
"Check in fast, property is very clean 2 minutes walk to beach Enjoyed my trip"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Plantation Hale Suites
Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows

3 out of 5
2253B Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Koloa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,021 reviews)
"Beautiful location! Loved having coffee every morning on the lanai."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
Makai Club Resort

Makai Club Resort

3.5 out of 5
4180 Lei O Papa Road, Princeville, HI
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Princeville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (360 reviews)
"It’s absolutely beautiful the staff is amazing and kind. The stay was amazing everything to do with property went well and the staff being so friendly was the greatest it’s no fun dealing with ugly people and the property had none of this thankfully, Paul Acosta, from Austin,Texas"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Makai Club Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Hanalei